American astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams have successfully completed their recovery following an extended nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their stay was prolonged due to complications with Boeing's Starliner capsule, initially scheduled for an eight-day test flight.
The astronauts returned to Earth in March 2025 and underwent a rigorous 45-day rehabilitation program to readjust to Earth's gravity. Both Wilmore and Williams have since increased their involvement with ongoing Boeing and NASA projects, particularly focusing on the Starliner program and ISS operations.
In a recent interview, Wilmore expressed the challenges of reacclimating to gravity, highlighting the neurovestibular and balance difficulties experienced post-mission. "Gravity stinks for a period, and that period varies for different people, but eventually you get over those neurovestibular balance type of issues," he said.
Williams described her recovery as gradual, facing episodes of fatigue as muscle groups reactivated over time. She noted improvements in her early morning routine as her body adapted to terrestrial life again.
Wilmore also shared that pre-existing neck and back issues eased during their zero-gravity stay but returned immediately upon landing. "We're still floating in the capsule in the ocean, and my neck starts hurting, while we still hadn't even been extracted yet," he recalled with a smile.
NASA continues to address the physical and technical challenges posed by extended spaceflight. Zero gravity induces muscle atrophy, cardiovascular changes, and other physiological effects, while confined living quarters and increased radiation exposure add complexity to astronaut health management.
Regarding Starliner's development, NASA mandated an uncrewed return flight following previous technical difficulties, pushing Boeing's investment in the program to nearly $2 billion. The agency is considering another uncrewed test flight before resuming crewed missions.
Williams supports this decision, referencing successful precedents set by SpaceX and Russian spacecraft. She emphasized the importance of safety and proper validation, stating, "I think that's the correct path," and hopes for a swift agreement between Boeing and NASA.
NASA officials have indicated that the outcomes of upcoming summer testing will critically influence the timeline for Starliner's next crewed missions.
